What we’re about
Welcome to the Outdoor Club of South Jersey’s Hiking/Backpacking Meetup group.
The OCSJ is a dues-paying club that uses Meetup to schedule all activities. You must be a paid member to join the hiking group and RSVP to hiking events. Visit ocsj.org for more information about our club and how to become a member.
Membership in the OCSJ allows you unlimited free access to the hundreds of activities we offer in hiking, biking, trail maintenance, backpacking, paddling, and cross-country skiing.
Please visit our other Meetup groups to see what they offer. These are included with your paid membership, although you must join each group individually:
Biking:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey/
Kayaking/XC Skiing:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Canoeing/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Casual Walk Across Somers Point - Ocean City Causeway to see the birdsBroadway & Landing Lane, Somers Point, NJ
To allow for more time watching the nesting birds, we will head right to the Visitor's Center unless someone really needs the port-a-potty on the fishing pier. (Remember there are flushies at the Visitor's Center.) We will be stopping at the Visitor's Center for a bit to watch the birds build their nests (primarily egrets, night herons and glossy ibis) work. Will walk 'under' the Visitor's Center for another view of the nesting birds. Will continue to the end of the bridge in Ocean City where we will turn around. We will stop at the Visitor's Center again for a 20 minute lunch. And then walk back to our vehicles. Expect about 5.5 miles on mostly concrete. If you like shore birds be sure to bring binoculars and a portable camera. But remember this is a walk so we will not be spending more then a few minutes for photos other then the lunch break. If you don't like birds/architecture/photography be prepared to be patient with those who do.
This is a series of bridges so there are some ups and downs. It is right next to the roadway, though seperated, so can be very noisy at times. You will be hard pressed to find a tick on this walk but there is no shade so be sure to have sunglasses or sun hat.
Why do I title my hikes as casual? Because I’m not really slow at 22-24 minute miles, nor are my hikes particularly short, more mid-range; but I do take a break approximately every 3 miles and I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. I’m in no hurry. If you need to slow down, ask. If you want to go faster, you picked the wrong leader/hike.
Be sure to bring water, even in the cold. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch. Be sure to be prepared for the weather.
Bathroom: Port-a-potty on fishing pier and flushie at Visitor's Center, none at start/finish.
Dogs: no dogs on this hike.
I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.
Any questions ahead of time, email theteppers@comcast.net. Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.
Rain in the 40s, wind chills below 30 or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels.
We will be meeting on Broadway near Landing Lane. Please park along Broadway and not in either the Crab Trap or Pier 4 parking lots; you could get towed. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in.